Southern University System

Southern University at
Shreveport is slated to lose $2,647,305 in state funding if a budget
bill, HB1, is not amended by the Louisiana legislature.

As the
current budget proposal stands, total reductions in state general fund
support for all of higher education since 2008-09 would reach $585
million. The Southern University System, the nation's only Historically
Black College and University system, totals five campuses, SUNO, SUBR,
SULC, SUAC and SUSLA. The total proposed budget reduction for the SU
System is $19 million. As of fiscal year 2008-09, Southern University,
Shreveport has endured $4,799,390 in budget cuts.

"Suffice it to
say, a cut of the magnitude we are witnessing today would be
catastrophic for the Southern University at Shreveport campus. In
effect, the ability of this institution to respond to its role, scope,
and mission will be severely compromised," stated Southern University,
Shreveport chancellor Ray L. Belton.

Over 70 percent of the State
of Louisiana's operating budget is protected through constitutional or
statutory dedications, federal mandates, and unavoidable obligations.
Higher education does not enjoy any constitutional protection from cuts.
When the state faces significant shortfalls, higher education, along
with healthcare, are the first to have budget cuts.

Over the
past four years, reductions to higher education have been mitigated in
part by one-time funding and raising tuition and fees. Even with modest
increases in tuition over the last few years, it has not been enough to
close the gap in funding. To date, SUSLA has taken several steps to
address declining resources including campus-wide furloughs, elimination
of programs, administrative reorganization. and reduction in positions
and employees.